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Addiction - The Biology of the Pursuit of Happiness

This workshop explores addiction and its biological features, focusing on frequently abused substances and treatment strategies.

Key Program Information
Series Focus on Mental Health
Schedule

This program meets on Wednesday, July 17th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Choice, Compulsion, Control

What do substance abuse, romantic love, pathological gambling, and internet addiction have in common? They are all conditions that challenge our thinking about free choice, compulsive behavior, and self-control. How responsible are we for our bad habits?

This program will explore the biological understanding of the commonly identified features of addiction – genetic vulnerability, the brain’s reward system, withdrawal, and relapse. We will look specifically at substances that are frequently abused – alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamine. Along the way we will look at treatment strategies and their efficacy.

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  •  Summarize the qualities of addictive behavior
  •  Evaluate the various treatments for addictive behavior
  •  Recognize the clinical features of the different addictive disorders
  •  Incorporate research findings concerning treatment into their approach with these clients

 

Who should attend

Human service and mental health professionals such as social workers, therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, and nurses.

Instructors

  • Headshot of David Mays

    Dr. David Mays (MD, Ph.D.) is a forensic psychiatrist and directed the forensic program at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, WI for 13 years. He serves on the clinical faculty at UW–Madison. Dr. Mays is the recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, The Distinguished Service Award from the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Dane County, and the Exceptional Performance Award from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. He has treated patients in hospital and outpatient settings with co-morbid substance use problems for 20 years. He is a seasoned clinician and highly sought-after presenter.

CEU Information
Round logo with text "Approved Continuing Education Provider, NBCC"

Participants will earn 2 Contact Hours upon completion of this program.

UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6669. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

Additional CEU Information by Profession: 

Wisconsin Social Workers

Our programs qualify as continuing education offered by an accredited university. The State Board recognizes contact hours for all listed programs.

Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselors

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services approves contact hours for programs consisting of relevant content taught by qualified presenters. Contact our office with questions about specific program approvals.

Wisconsin Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists

Our programs qualify as required continuing education offered by an accredited university. The State Board recognizes contact hours for all programs.

Wisconsin Licensed Counselors

Our programs qualify as required continuing education offered by an accredited university. The State Board recognizes contact hours for all programs.

Wisconsin Educators and School Psychologists

Continuing education programs from the University of Wisconsin campuses may qualify toward your Professional Development Plan (PDP).

Other Professions

Contact your professional board or organization for specific continuing education requirements.

Disability Accommodations

UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education encourages individuals with disabilities or other special needs to participate in our programs whenever possible. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please notify us at least two weeks in advance of the program so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Contact Continuing Education at 715-836-3636 / toll-free 866-893-2423, or use the Wisconsin Relay System (711). All requests are kept confidential.

An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.

Cancellation Policy

We understand life happens. Should you need to cancel your registration, you may substitute someone to take your place, at any time, at no cost to you. If we cancel a program, we’ll give you your money back.

If your program is 14 or more days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program – no charge!
If you have to cancel, you will receive a refund, minus a 20% administrative fee.

If your program is less than 14 days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program, plus a 20% transfer fee.
If you cancel, you will not receive a refund.

If you are registered and do not attend the program, you are responsible for the full fee.

Substitution, refund or transfer requests must be submitted via email or phone call to UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education.

There are currently no upcoming dates for this program. To make sure you are notified when dates are scheduled, please join our mailing list.

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